Entertainment

Luckily none of us here at the newspaper suffer from triskaidekaphobia (except maybe Jamster) so we have managed to bring you another cracking Entertainment section. You've probably seen the avatars, heard the Jokers and commented on Christian Bale's voice but Po22 still brings us a superb  The Dark Knight review. Continueing with the dark suppressing force of the number thirteen Henrique brings us an insightful preview of the newest Total War. This preview is definitely worth an oggle from any Total War fan.

Keep watching the skys, Doddsy

The Dark Knight Movie Review - By: Po22

Cast-

Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman
Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth
Heath Ledger as the Joker
Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent/Two Face
Gary Oldman as Commisioner Gordon
Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes
Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox

Directed by Christopher Nolan

Music by Hans Zimmerman

The Dark Knight is a movie that blurs the line between fiction and reality. Nolan established his vision of Batman's world in The Dark Knight's predecessor, Batman Begins spectacularly but there was always a strand of fantasy blended into the previous film. The Dark Knight blends this strand so well into the film that the movie turns into reality. The Dark Knight is set in Gotham City six months after the events of Batman Begins. The new district attorney Harvey Dent is cleaning up the streets of Gotham along with the help of Commisioner Gordon and the Batman. The trio makes a final stand against the mob when a mysterious figure known as the Joker take their plan and turn it on it's head. A love triangle ensues between Bruce Wayne, Rachel and Harvey Dent leading Bruce to consider just how far he is willing to go to protect Gotham.

The film starts off with a heist sequence so amazing and cruel in it's simplicity that it holds your attention right from the start and never lets go. The Joker played by Heath Ledger seems to be a force of nature, even meriting his own hum, becoming louder and louder giving off the feeling a shark is about to strike. Ledger is unrecognizable in the role, becoming everything the Joker symbolizes and more. Ledger has created something so evil, funny, psychopathic and twisted, no two scenes are alike in their performance. Your eyes cannot leave the Joker when you see him and you wonder what is he doing when he's not on screen. He embodies everything Batman isn't. Christian Bale's performance is sharp, commanding and somewhat sad. Batman endures constant psychological torture by the Joker, questioning his limits and if he is willing to kill for justice. Batman's usual theatrics and threats doesn't penetrate the Joker, as he has no rules, goals or weaknesses that Batman can exploit. One scene that highlights this is the interrogation scene. While the Batman is viciously beating the Joker for information the Joker laughs. "You have nothing. Nothing to threaten me with. Nothing to do with all your strength."

The supporting cast is brilliant by itself. Gary Oldman's performance of Gordon is subtle yet powerful. Gordon slowly see's the progress he and Batman have created fall into madness. Oldman creates the impression of a city cop losing sight of what he believes in and begins to crack under the pressure. Likewise Aaron Eckharts portrayal of Harvey Dent is both brazen and tragic as the movie comes along, more prone to meltdowns as the story continues. The dark and unexpected comedy is usually supplied by Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and the Joker but Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine both supply a completely different light hearted brand of funny as opposed to the usually guilty laughter Ledger gives. Overall the artistic direction of the film is gritty, spectacular and tells a particular story in itself. Each tone and coloring of a scene makes you immersed in Batman's world. Over time you even notice during most of his speeches Harvey Dent had half his face in the shadows, telling a story by itself. This film was amazing and beautiful with a solid script with few flaws and incredible actors, Heath Ledger's performance standing out the most. If you want to see a movie you can see again and again with finding new meanings and details and still seem fresh, see The Dark Knight.

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Empire: Total War - By: Henrique651

Hello, dear readers! You must be thinking "gosh, another games/movies whatever preview/review article!" Well, this is a game preview article, and since I'm not in any way trying to be ludicrous, I shall now proceed to the preview (although one could call it review?) of the game. Enjoy the reading!

Ever fancied yourself as a big general, and a ruler of the world? Well then, this is the game for you. If you haven't then trouble read no further; you cowardly knaves won't like this game of total war.

Empire: Total War is set in the eighteenth century, a turbulent period alive with global conflict, revolutionary fervour and technological advances. With themes such as the Industrial Revolution, America's struggle for independence, the struggle to control Eastern trade routes and the globalisation of war on land and sea, Empire: Total War is one of the richest and most dynamic PC Real Time Strategy games of all time.

Empire: Total War also brings with it the debut of naval combat. Control vast fleets of galleons, or single ships in your conquest of the known world. With amazing weather and water effects, which will, no doubt, play a gigantic role in you achieving victory, or a crushing defeat, sending your ships right into Davy Jones' Locker with all of their crew members. After fighting your enemy with cannon fire, close in for boarding and fight in the decks of the enemy's (or your's) ship, striving for supremacy and control of the seas.

Along with the revolutionary introduction of naval combat, Empire: Total War sees further enhancements to the Total War series' signature 3D battles and turn-based campaign map. Real-time battles pose new challenges with the addition of cannon and musket, challenging players to master new formations and tactics as a result of the increasing role of gunpowder in warfare. Prepare to take control of the armies of Napoleon and of George Washington, or of the British Empire as you fight for control of the world.

The campaign map - which remains at the heart of the expansive Total War experience - will see new agents, a refined and streamlined interface, improved Advisors and extended scope to take in the riches of India, the turbulence of Europe and the untapped potential of North America. Prepare to be a pioneer of the old West, or perhaps a Marajaah of India, or even a ruler of both as you extend your hands to take control of the world.

. Starting in 1700 - the era of warfare across oceans, revolution and the founding of the United States.

. Take command on the high seas. 3D naval combat makes its debut in Empire: Total War

. A revolution in the series with brand new engine mechanics and technologies, using extremely advanced graphics.

. A major overhaul of the multiplayer aspects of the game with several different game experiences available, leading to a more enjoyable gameplay.

Will you be a cold-hearted, strategic general which will inspire dread in its foes just by showing your face alone, and blow them all to smitherins, or will you be a charismatic leader of men, inspiring your soldiers into world conquest? the choice is yours, in this world of Total War...